My friend Blossom T. Barnes (another one of the wonderful women I've met through the Junior League of San Francisco) has just launched her business, and I was lucky enough to attend her launch party. Brick & Mortar Society is an innovative concept combining independent retail with marketing and event planning. As a small business owner myself, I really appreciate what Blossom is working on. I also thought the panel she assembled of fellow female entrepreneurs from The Fix Berkeley, Hey Lady Shoes, and Table + Teaspoon including expert moderation by Pernella Sommerville was both eye opening and encouraging. Follow Brick & Mortar Society on social media and watch for more great things from Blossom!

Photo taken by my husband on the ferry across Lake Como

La Dolce Vita

I just got back from a truly amazing trip to Italy with my husband and parents (plus a visit from our favorite London residents while we were in Florence). I don't want to bore you with a travelogue, but I will say this: Florence is so cute it's almost like Disneyland, Italian food really is better in Italy, Lake Como is just as beautiful as you think it is, and I was just. not. ready. for the fashion in Milan. You know how you see the really crazy couture in store windows (like metallic flatform oxfords, those furry Gucci mules, or weird voluminous dresses) and wonder who wears them? The Milanese women do. And with panache. I absolutely fell in love with Milan and will most certainly go back.

Photo courtesy of theory.com

photo courtesy of cuyana.com

Shop For A Cause

Have you, like me, been eyeing anything from Theory or Cuyana recently? Well, hold off for just a little while longer and come to shopping parties at both stores' Union Square locations on Tuesday, October 25! Each store will be offering a percentage of the proceeds back to the Junior League of San Francisco, which will help fund our work in the San Francisco community and partnerships with other local nonprofits. I have last year's version of this gorgeous lightweight sweater and will be looking for the dusty pink shade, and still need to purchase this simple and elegant silk tank in a couple of colors.

Photo courtesy of dogwalks.com

Pampered Pooch

Of course, Petunia is well taken care of while we're away. She goes on off leash group walks 5 days a week with the wonderful people at Dogwalks.com, and they also offer daycare and boarding. Owner Julia Frink has a lovely home with a shockingly big backyard in the Richmond district, where she and her team of devoted dog lovers watch over a small pack of rotating pooches. Petunia is an excellent judge of character, and she loves each and every person from Dogwalks so much that she is absolutely beside herself every time they come to pick her up. Plus, they update their Instagram account several times a day with adorable shots of the dogs and their adventures. We love the whole Dogwalks team and are so grateful for how much they love our silly Petunia!

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